Tracing function calls in C++ using gdb

Question

I have a system developed in C++ on Linux platform. I am doing some debugging of this system. I want to look for the complete sequence of function calls to a function. Lets assume the functions are called in the following sequence

function_1 -> function_2 -> function_3 -> function_4

If I put a break point at function_4, the execution will be holded at that point. I want to see that functions_1, function_2 and function_3 are called before function_4. If there any gdb command to trace these function calls?

Thanks, Ankur

Does function_1 get called and then return - or does function_1 call function_2() et al — Adrian Cornish
– Adrian Cornish, Commented Feb 8, 2012 at 4:39
RTFM: it's something like "bt" or "st" (back trace or stack trace). — John3136
– John3136, Commented Feb 8, 2012 at 4:39
bt gets the backtrace, but it relies on the stack frame, so unless all those function calls are nested (1 calls 2 calls 3 calls 4), that's not going to work for you. — wkl
– wkl, Commented Feb 8, 2012 at 4:41

StilesCrisis · Accepted Answer · 2012-02-08 05:22:07Z

8

You want a backtrace. The gdb command bt will show exactly what you are interested in.

edited Feb 8, 2012 at 5:22

answered Feb 8, 2012 at 4:41

StilesCrisis

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3 Comments

user982740 Over a year ago

bt utility is not available on the Linux server. Is that not possible to find function calls using gdb?

Aman Aggarwal Over a year ago

Also, to examine call-stack use the command "frame" or f. More info here : ofb.net/gnu/gdb/gdb_43.html#SEC43

user982740 Over a year ago

Thanks buddy, bt works. This is exactly I was looking for. Thanks.

Shuo Chen · Accepted Answer · 2012-02-08 04:41:21Z

2

bt: backtrace http://sourceware.org/gdb/onlinedocs/gdb/Backtrace.html

answered Feb 8, 2012 at 4:41

Shuo Chen

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Adrian Cornish · Accepted Answer · 2012-02-08 05:24:24Z

1

If function_1() calls function_2() which calls function_3() etc

You can set your breakpoint in function_4() and you use the command

where

To print a backtrace of the stack

Another tool that may be useful is valgrind with the callgrind tool

edited Feb 8, 2012 at 5:24

answered Feb 8, 2012 at 4:42

Adrian Cornish

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1 Comment

user982740 Over a year ago

Thanks Adrian, this works. It is exactly similar to bt. Thanks

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